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Two men face fraud and mischief charges following a police investigation into an alleged roofing scam in North York.
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Toronto Police say officers responded to a call for fraud in the area of Keele St. and Wilson Ave. around 11 a.m. on Friday.
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Cops allege a group of males went to the victim’s home and told the resident that urgent work needed to be done to their roof and chimney.
The men climbed onto the victim’s roof and began to dismantle the chimney without permission, police allege.
The work was not required and unnecessary, cops allege.
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Two suspects were subsequently arrested.
Stephen Smith, 40, and Bernie Stokes, 23, both of no fixed address, are each charged with fraud over $5,000 and mischief over $5,000.
Investigators have released images of the accused out of concern for the possibility of other alleged victims.
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Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or online at 222tips.com.
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Meanwhile, police are reminding the public of home renovation scams as the weather warms up.
They say such scammers typically go door-to-door, handing out flyers for fraudulent or non-existent companies offering services for roofing, paving and fencing. The work is usually not completed or is substandard and done with poor quality products.
Fraudsters often target elderly and vulnerable residents using high-pressure tactics to commence work immediately. They usually demand payment in the form of cash or bank draft.
Police advise residents to use caution when solicited for any service and not to share personal information with people unknown to them.
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